The band began as a project of Damon McMahon, starting in 2006 as a collection of improvised songs made in a trailer in upstate New York. McMahon later moved to China, discarding the tapes.

Three years later they gained underground critical acclaim as D.I.A, and McMahon moved back to the States, performing around the U.S. and Europe. Different musicians, like Jordi Wheeler and Parker Kindred would cycle through performances. The band now has released music taking various forms, from spoken word to bedroom industrial music, to Ethiopian covers and harsh folk and, of course, the classic American ballad.

Amen Dunes’ fifth studio album, Freedom, came out in March of this year to critical acclaim. Pitchfork called the album “the most dynamic, confident Amen Dunes record to date.”

The festival will take place on the Norris East Lawn on May 28, starting at 1 p.m. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. The event is free, and students will be able to tie-dye, make friendship bracelets and slackline.